We bring you the first photos of the next generation 3-series (F30) sedan beginning its cold weather testing for the first time!

Although the car's body panels are fully covered by camoflage panels and paint scheme, it's easy to see the car's proportions and size.

* Note: neither the orange turn signal on the side mirrors nor the front and rear lights are headed for production. The orange turn signal has been there on all recent BMW test mules and the front and rear round lights are there merely for testing purposes. The real headlights and tail lights are completely covered underneath the cladding.

So far, info points to the F30 3-series sedan as making its possible debut as a model year 2012.

That's the camoflage bodysuit that you're seeing. We can't actually tell the front end design from these pics, although don't be surprised if the front end is more flat/upright than the E90 due to new pedestrian safety standards (see F01 7-series / F10 5-series' more upright fronts).

In terms of an athletic look, I thought that BMW was able to pull it off even with the F10 5-series more flat/upright front. So I'm not worried about the F30 not looking athletic and spirited.

Looks like its getting the giant front end like on the 7. The rest of the body being square is nice, like the older models. But the front is way too flat. And I hope the tiny exhaust tips get a bit bigger. bmw needs to remember this is competing with the audi s4!